Invalid product key message

[overdub]

After upgrading my computer with a new Asus MOBO and new CPU, "Vegas Video 4.0" installation will not recognize my product key as valid. I suspect there is a computer ID conflict now between my OS hdd and the MOBO and have uninstalled, re-installed several times with no success. I was, however, able to install the app on another computer with an identical MOBO and CPU which proves my cd is in good shape and the key is correct. Unfortunately, that computer belongs to my Son-in-law and won't help me out here in my studio.

I have searched for and deleted all files I recognized as related to "Sonic Foundry", "Vegas" and "Vegas Video" but apparently there is a hidden or undiscovered file somewhere on my drive that doesn't like the key. Any ideas for finding the problem? Re-formatting is not an option until all other ideas are exhausted. I do have two other drives in the system so I'll try installing on one of those next but my gut tells me that won't work either. In the meantime, if anyone has a clue please let me know. I'll post back if I'm successful. Thanks,

Dub

 

[bcastner]

From the newsgroups:

Here are the steps:
1. Download and install this utility. (dont worry about the references to Office)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q240116

2. Run the utility and highlite the "Sonic Foundry Vegas" entry
3. now press 'remove' (this will clear the registry of all references to Vegas)
4. Manually delete the shortcut's in the start menu and desktop. Also delete the Vegas folder where the app was installed to.
5. install Vegas.

You will have to do this beacuase most likely you broke the
installer/unistaller when you moved the app to another location after it was installed. Without claning the registry you probably would not be able to unistall.

Hope this helps.

Ivan Calderon
Vegas SQA Lead
Sonic Foundry, Inc

 

[TheSkull]

dubover,

No doubt the program uses an encrypted registry key that you will never find in a lifetime of searching, and which contains a "hardware ID" which is now associated with your product key. Installing the software on another computer creates a hardware ID for that computer, and the software works fine. However, your hardware configuration has changed significantly, and the ID generated by the software no longer matches the ID stored in the encrypted registry. This is to prevent someone installing the program, and then simply copying the program folder to another computer, and using it.

You have two solutions at this point: If you have a legal copy of the program, you can expect that the publisher will provide you with assistance on reactivating your software. If it is a bootleg copy, you may have no choice but to wipe your partition and reinstall Windows. Sorry about that...

 

[overdub]

My attempts to install and activate "Vegas" on a separate drive was not successful and I am stumped. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks,

Dub

 

[overdub]

Thanks for your replies. I will try the much appreciated utility Ivan, after a good morning's rest that is. I've been battling this mess for hours on end and look forward to a fresh start later on. Hope you all had a good Christmas and do have a great new year as well. Later,

Dub

 

[overdub]

Ivan,

The utility is for Win 9x or NT but there was no mention of XP. I ran the NT version and no programs were listed in the preview window. HMMMMM, should I run the 9x version? Now, I'm down for the count and hope for a solution when I get up later on. Thanks again,

Dub

 

[bcastner]

If you reinstall Windows or install the program on a different computer your activation code will no longer work. Please register the program again using your original serial number. You can do so using the registration wizard within the program, via the website form, or via the telephone at 800-577-6642.

Source: Sony Vegas Video site

 

[overdub]

Will do. Thanks.

Dub